whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈ(h)wip-ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: something resembling a blow from a whip

the whiplash of fear

—R. S. Banay

3

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck from the rear by another vehicle)

Examples of whiplash in a Sentence

He got whiplash when his car was rear-ended.

Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, the California Energy Commission’s regional report highlights that weather whiplash — quick swings between extremes — is growing more frequent in the Sierra-Cascade, with hotter summers followed by intense storms. —Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025

Today’s party supports and defends the daily whiplash away from American political norms, including centuries of traditions and respect for fundamental law. —Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 22 June 2025

For context, the managerial carousel started at warp-speed this summer and left the FIGC with whiplash. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2025

National Guard ruling whiplash: A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Trump to return control of the National Guard to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). —Ella Lee, The Hill, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for whiplash

• backlash
• chumash
• eyelash
• moustache
• mustache
• noncash
• potash
• rehash
• ash
• bash
• brash
• cache

Kids Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash -ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp jerking movement of the head and neck (as of a person in a car that is struck from behind by another car)

Medical Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈhwip-ˌlash, ˈwip- 

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck head-on or from the rear by another vehicle)